More than 200 VIA employees and retirees participated in the 2013 Lose to Cruise Weight Loss Challenge. Some used the challenge as a motivational tool to reach a set goal, while others used Lose to Cruise as a starting point to improve their personal health and wellness. During the three months that the challenge took place, participants were required to complete two Thrive activities to qualify to win the grand prize.The grand prize was an $800 Royal Caribbean Cruise voucher, awarded to the employee who lost the greatest percentage of bodyweight. As an added incentive, two $500 gift cards were awarded to two random, but qualifying participants. The qualifying Thrive activities included any activity, class, seminar, or event, ranging from the Run for the Bus 5K to the ongoing fitness classes.As an alternative, Employees who were unable to attend any Thrive classes or events could go online to www.viathrive.com, view any of the educational Thrive Wellness Videos, and complete a short three to five question quiz to receive credit. Personal utilization of any offsite health clubs, the VIA Employee Cardio Room, and one-on-one health consultations with the Wellness Coordinator were also taken into consideration to qualify for the Lose to Cruise prizes.

Every personal goal that was reached as a result of this year’s challenge is considered to be a victory. So many success stories can be told and no single story overshadows any other. However, in every challenge, there must be a champion. The champion of the Lose to Cruise challenge was Full-Time Paratransit Operator Sarah Yanez. Not only did Sarah attend many of the Thrive exercise classes, worked-out at a local health club, and used the VIA Cardio Room, but she also took control of her diet and set-up a training regimen to finish the 2013 Run for the Bus 5K held in March at the VIA Bus/Van/Maintenance Roadeo. Sarah lost over 18% of her initial weigh-in bodyweight and continues to encourage her fellow coworkers aspiring to make a change.

Congratulations to Sarah for utilizing the Thrive program in reaching her personal goals. If you would like to set a goal and reach it, like Sarah did, VIA Thrive continues to offer services and support for all VIA employees to make use of. Let us know your thoughts or suggestions about the program on the Contact Us page or by contacting Justin Cruger at ext. 2245.

Mission Statement

Thrive serves to improve the quality of life for VIA employees through health & wellness education, physical activity, empowerment, and support.

VIAThrive.com is your go-to source for all VIA employee wellness program information, classes, and events. Visit the site for all up-to-date information regarding programs, events, services, fitness and nutritional information, and all other material relative to the continued wellness of the VIA Metropolitan Transit workforce.

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Thrive Awarded one of San Antonio's Healthiest Employers in 2013

n May 22, 2012, Mayor Julian Castro and the San Antonio Business Group

On October 24, 2013, VIA was named one of San Antonio’s 2013 Healthiest Employers. In an effort to highlight and recognize forward thinking employers, the San Antonio Business Journal, in conjunction with Humana and Baptist Health System, hosted the first annual Healthiest Employers Award Breakfast, recognizing businesses that have created policies and initiatives that promote the well-being of their employees. Twenty-three companies were chosen winners in three categories — small, medium and large — based on the number of employees. VIA was chosen as one of only nine large companies that qualified to receive this prestigious award. This recognition marks the third wellness award to be received by VIA since its inception in 2012.

All VIA Thrive programs are for VIA EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES ONLY (unless stated otherwise). For further information regarding the VIA Thrive Wellness Program, contact Justin Cruger at x2245.